COLORS INSPIRED BY NATURE

New color collection!

Nature is a gift. Being in nature is extremely healing and inspiring. I get a lot of my creative ideas when I hike on beautiful trails whether they are on the coast, in the gorge or in the mountains. - Michelle Bexelius

Only Available at DesignWell Studios

The Nature-Inspired Collection for AFM SAFECOAT
Curated by Michelle Bexelius, Wellness Designer & Founder of DesignWell Studios

In a world that rarely pauses, home should feel like a deep exhale — a place where light softens, colors breathe, and the pace of life gently slows. Color, when chosen with intention, becomes more than backdrop. It’s a bridge between our built environment and the living world beyond our walls.

This exclusive palette of twenty nature-inspired hues, available only through DesignWell Studios, was born from moments of quiet observation. Each shade was distilled from the wild — forest light filtered through leaves, the shifting blues of tide and sky, the mineral stillness of stone and sand — then refined into a timeless collection designed to nourish both space and spirit.

Organized into five curated collections — Forest Bathing, Beach Combing, Bodies of Water, Sky & Light, and the new Essence of Earth Collection— the palette embodies the essence of biophilic design: a harmonious dialogue between nature and architecture, where wellness and beauty exist in balance. These colors are suitable for interior or exterior applications!

The Biophilic Advantage

Rooted in nature’s quiet intelligence, these hues do more than beautify a room — they shape the way we live within it. Their presence can:

Soothe the senses and dissolve daily stress
Invite balance, grounding, and emotional clarity
Awaken creativity and deeper focus
Nurture rest, renewal, and physical well-being
Transform interiors into living, breathing sanctuaries

Ordering AFM SAFECOAT Products

Every product in the AFM SAFECOAT line — from primers and paints to sealants, stains, and cleaners — is available directly through DesignWell Studios.

Call: 503.386.2003
Email: info@designwellstudios.com

When placing your order, please include:

Your chosen color name or code
Preferred finish (Flat, Eggshell, Pearl, or Semi-Gloss for paints; Matte, Glossy, or Satin for sealers*)

Bespoke Color Design

For projects that call for something truly one-of-a-kind, we offer custom color creation. Share an image or inspiration, and Michelle will design a signature hue tailored exclusively for you. A handcrafted sample will be prepared and sent to the factory, where your custom quart will be produced.
Investment: $150 per custom color

Color Consultation

For personalized guidance in shaping your palette, DesignWell Studios offers private color consultations.
Email info@designwellstudios.com with the number of colors you’re considering, and we’ll provide a booking link and consultation estimate.

FOREST BATHING COLLECTION

Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin’yoku (森林浴) — “forest bathing” — this collection captures the profound calm that lives beneath the canopy. Immersing ourselves in woodland landscapes, or surrounding ourselves with their echoes indoors, has been shown to lower heart rate, ease blood pressure, and strengthen the body’s natural rhythms.

From the cool green depth of Eucalyptus and the evergreen strength of Fir, to the grounding, earthen softness of Wild Mushroom and the quiet stillness of Spruce, these hues evoke the hush of forest trails and filtered light. Together, they shape interiors into grounded sanctuaries — places that restore, steady, and reconnect us to nature’s enduring strength.

SKY + LIGHT COLLECTION

The sky’s shifting light shapes how we feel — from the optimism of dawn to the dramatic hush of a storm. This collection captures those fleeting transitions, weaving them into a palette that uplifts, expands, and inspires.

The airy openness of Blue Sky, the radiant glow of Sunshine, the soft luminosity of Puffy Clouds, and the moody sophistication of Thunderstorm come together to create spaces alive with movement and possibility. These tones lift the gaze, awaken the spirit, and invite the poetry of the horizon indoors.

ESSENCE OF EARTH COLLECTION (New)

Rooted in the quiet power of the land, this collection celebrates the elemental beauty that nurtures all life. Inspired by the slow rhythms of the natural world — the warmth of the sun, the resilience of grasses, the shifting sands, and the fertile soil beneath our feet — these hues invite us to ground ourselves, breathe deeply, and remember our place within nature’s larger story.

From the sun-kissed richness of Sunstone and the soft, abundant vitality of Wild Grass, to the gentle, wind-shaped calm of Drift and the deep, life-giving foundation of Hearth, this palette captures the textures and tones of the living earth. Together, they transform interiors into restorative sanctuaries — spaces that root us, nourish us, and remind us of the steady strength that lies just beneath the surface.

BEACH COMBING COLLECTION

The shoreline offers its own slow, meditative rhythm — a space where tide and time reveal treasures in textures and tones. This palette channels that coastal ease, where each element tells a story shaped by sun, salt, and sea.

The pale, mineral elegance of Sand Dollar, the soft green whisper of Sea Grass, the breezy clarity of Surf, and the weathered depth of Driftwood create a palette that feels timeless and tactile. Together, they infuse interiors with a sense of coastal serenity — grounding spaces in the quiet luxury of a life lived close to the tide.

BODIES OF WATER COLLECTION

Water is nature’s original healer — reflective, fluid, and endlessly restorative. This collection distills that elemental power into a palette that soothes the senses and invites the mind to wander.

From the deep, contemplative blue of Deep Lake and the expansive calm of Ocean Blue to the silvery movement of Estuary and the crystalline freshness of Mountain Stream, these shades embody the flow and stillness of water in all its forms. They bring a sense of ease and renewal to interiors, transforming them into spaces that ebb and flow with natural grace.

DesignWell Color Line

Eucalyptus

One of my all-time favorites. In college, I carried a eucalyptus leaf into a paint shop in San Francisco and had it matched — a small act that transformed my space. That color made me feel calm, inspired, and deeply happy. Eucalyptus is supremely healing, like a drop of essential oil in a warm bath — opening, refreshing, restorative. Ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, meditation rooms, or spa-inspired spaces.
LRV: 31
Fir

This deep, grounding green reminds me of walking among giants — trees that have stood for centuries, offering shade, protection, and strength. It’s a color that invites you to slow down, connect, and feel supported by the natural world. I love it in the winter, too, when greenery is scarce. Perfect for living rooms, dens, entryways, or cozy reading nooks.
LRV: 15
Spruce

I was drawn to the blue-green-gray hues of evergreen trees — quiet, strong, and distinct — and knew I wanted to bring that feeling into a project. I used this color to create a striking focal wall that framed a window trimmed in natural wood, adding depth and contrast while anchoring the space in calm. Spruce has a soothing, grounded presence that draws the eye and invites stillness. Beautiful in home offices, dining rooms, or feature walls in open-concept spaces.
LRV : 17
Wild Mushroom

Mushrooms always stop me in my tracks — their intricate patterns and resilience fascinate me. They transform decay into new life and make even a fallen log beautiful. This warm gray-brown was inspired by the underside of a backyard mushroom in late afternoon light — subtle, nurturing, and full of quiet life. A perfect choice for bedrooms, libraries, kitchens, or transitional hallways.
LRV: 23
Sand dollar

I’ve walked countless beaches searching for whole sand dollars and finally found my first in a couple years ago — it felt like a gift from the sea. Their minimal, perfect patterns inspired this soft neutral, shifting from light gray to beige depending on their journey along the shore. Use it to create a sense of light and serenity in living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, or entire homes.
LRV: 81
Sea Grass

The sea grasses at Manzanita Beach sway gently in the wind, alive and full of life. My boys once played among those dunes, their laughter echoing over the sand. This soothing color captures that memory — soft, calm, and nurturing — perfect for nurseries, bedrooms, offices, or sunrooms.
LRV: 45
Surf

Growing up in Santa Barbara, the ocean was my backdrop — I spent hours watching friends surf and cheering them on. Inspired by warm, shallow waters that mirror the sky, Surf carries the spirit of vacation with it — even on gray Oregon days. It’s an uplifting choice for bathrooms, accent walls, kitchens, or creative studios.
LRV: 50
Driftwood

I love the sculptural shapes of driftwood washed ashore — worn smooth by water and time. I’ve even turned pieces I’ve found into towel racks and coat hooks in my own home. This warm, timeless hue captures that sense of nature’s artistry and balance, grounding any space. Ideal for living rooms, entryways, cabinetry, or furniture pieces.
LRV: 52
Blue Sky

Living in Portland has taught me to cherish blue skies. Even a small patch peeking through the clouds shifts my mood instantly. This color is the one I painted in my studio office — cheerful, uplifting, and full of light. It’s a natural fit for home offices, creative spaces, kitchens, or children’s rooms.
LRV: 82
Sunshine

Sunshine
The sun is a beacon — joyful, warm, and full of energy. This shade was created to bring that feeling indoors, especially in darker climates. Even on cold, gray days, it’s a reminder of hope and brightness. Perfect for dining rooms, entryways, playrooms, or accent walls that need a burst of optimism.
LRV: 73
Puffy Clouds

Puffy Clouds
There’s something magical about soaring through clouds on a flight, watching the world below. I wanted a white that captured that feeling — minimal, warm, and endlessly versatile. I use Puffy Clouds throughout my home, on walls, ceilings, and trim. Excellent for ceilings, trim, whole-home walls, or minimalist spaces.
LRV: 88
Thunderstorm

I’ve always loved a good storm — the energy, the sound, the beauty of it. This warm gray reflects that same atmosphere: comforting yet powerful, dramatic yet serene. It’s striking in living rooms, moody dining spaces, bedrooms, or powder rooms.
LRV: 13
Deep Lake

This deep, rich blue was inspired by summer days boating on Lake Pend Oreille. The farther out we went, the darker and more mysterious the water became. I painted my entire bedroom this color — even the trim — and the result is the most tranquil, restful space. Ideal for bedrooms, libraries, media rooms, or dramatic feature walls.
LRV: 13
Ocean Blue

I have always been drawn to the ocean, its sound, its smell, its vastness. This color honors that lifelong connection and brings a bit of the coast indoors. It’s perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, children’s spaces, or cabinetry.
LRV: 28
Estuary

I love wandering trails along estuaries — ecosystems teeming with life, rich with regeneration. This earthy, living green-gray celebrates those dynamic places where water meets land. A beautiful choice for entryways, kitchens, bathrooms, or mudrooms.
LRV: 24
Mountain Stream

There’s nothing like the sound of a cool mountain stream while hiking — water trickling over moss-covered rocks, refreshing and alive. This color captures that sensation and brings a quiet, cooling balance to your home. Perfect for bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, or serene retreats.
LRV: 31
Sunstone

This warm, sun-baked red holds the memory of canyon walls and desert light — steady, enduring, and full of quiet energy. It brings a sense of vitality and grounded warmth to a space, like the comforting glow of late afternoon sun. Perfect for living rooms, dining areas, or anywhere you want to invite connection and conversation.
LRV: 14
Wild Grass

Soft and abundant, this gentle green evokes open meadows and the renewing rhythm of growth. It carries a fresh, calming energy that softens the edges of a room and invites breath and balance back into daily life. Beautiful in bedrooms, wellness spaces, or anywhere meant for restoration and ease.
LRV: 32
Dune

A sun-bleached neutral shaped by wind and time, Dune is as serene as sand shifting under a wide sky. It brings a sense of lightness and flow, making spaces feel open and quietly expansive. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or transitional areas where simplicity and calm set the tone.
LRV: 75
Hearth

Deep and rich, this grounding brown recalls fertile soil — the place where life begins. It adds weight, stability, and a touch of intimacy to interiors, wrapping spaces in a quiet sense of safety and belonging. Perfect for entryways, offices, reading corners, or anywhere you want depth and presence.
LRV: 8

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